Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez: Broncos "got to pick their poison"

Dan Duggan Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Credit: Nancy Lane

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is congratulated by Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) in the second quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at the Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Sunday, December 18, 2011. (File)

When the Patriots and Broncos met in Week 15, Aaron Hernandez had one of the best performances of his career. The Pats tight end set a career-high with nine catches for 129 yards and a touchdown in a 41-23 win.

“The plays were called for me and they were obviously focusing on Gronk and Wes," Hernandez said. "They left me with an opportunity to make plays and it happened.”

It seems logical that Denver would adjust by focusing more on Hernandez on Saturday when the teams meet in the AFC divisional round. But Hernandez isn't fretting over the potential for increased attention.

“I honestly I don’t even think about it," Hernandez said. "I honestly don’t even care what they do because they’ve got to pick their poison with whoever they want to focus on we have more options than they can focus on.”

What makes the Patriots offense so dangerous is quarterback Tom Brady's ability to break down a defense and exploit any advantage. Hernandez said that doesn't always mean Brady needs to find an uncovered receiver to be successful.

“I’d say not always (that) he just throws to the open guy. But if the guy isn’t open, he’ll put it in the right place for him to be like he’s open," Hernandez said. "He’s a great quarterback. Everyone knows that and he makes this offense go.”

Obviously Hernandez couldn't make it through an interview without a question relating to Denver quarterback Tim Tebow. Hernandez had a smart answer when asked about his college teammate's performance in the Broncos wild card win over Pittsburgh.

“I thought he played well. That’s my boy and I hope for success," Hernandez said, before adding after a beat, "in his future.”